InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ This Sesshoumaru Needs Not A Mate - ON HOLD ❯ PART TWENTY FIVE ( Chapter 25 )

DISCLAIMER - The ownership and general brilliance that is the original Feudal Fairy Tale remains the property of its honored and rightfully revered creator Rumiko Takahashi without whose brilliance we would not have fodder.

 

Edited by: Meara

 

Quotation by Josh Billings (American Humorist, 1818-1885)

 

Reviews are fuel.

 

EP

 

 

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Part Twenty-Five This Sesshoumaru Needs Not A Mate

 

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”

 

All stood, with the exception of Kaede, staring at the unexpected guests and the ill- tempered Hanyou grinding his teeth glaring at Kouga, awaiting a response. None came as the Prince steepled his fingers and shook his head in resignation, closing his eyes. This was not happening. No matter how far he ran, she always caught up. Why was he to be continually persecuted for a simple act of kindness done so very long ago?

 

“Totosai?” whispered the Miko in surprise. The room began to spin, and her body became leaden weight as intense heat and darkness overcame the Priestess. The Miko's last vision, that of her Mate's jyaki encircling her protectively, along with a plethora of paler forms surrounding her, one recognizably Inuyasha's. Still another called to her, unfamiliar yet, kindred, while she began fading from consciousness.

 

“KAGOME!” roared the Hanyou, Kouga just as soon forgotten in his haste to reach her side and prevent her fall.

 

The sudden shift in the Miko's scent was the Taiyoukai's only warning as she fell lifelessly towards the ground, caught at the last minute by a multitude of hands, including his, bearing her aloft, just inches from the tatami's woven surface. Her final seeming nonsensical words… “Mount Hakurei… Satori, she knows…Akago… Hiraikotsu, the arrow…his life force, Sango...Naraku's strength…the red child,” said the Miko in a disembodied voice, before fainting in her Mate's arms.

  

Ayame watched through venomously, envious, green slits, somewhat confused by what she saw, as everyone danced attendance on the `fragile' Miko, even that hateful, smelly little toad, Jaken. The Princess noted, unhappily, that Kouga stood amongst them, looking at the Miko with a genuine concern, reserved only for her. `He has never shown that level of emotion when looking at me, except when I was a pup. That one instance, was the only time, he had shown caring for me,' she thought balefully.

 

“Jaken!” said the Taiyoukai, looking at the pale, clammy face of his Mate. He need not have bothered, as the little imp sped from the room, neglecting to bow in his haste to retrieve the healer Tatsuo for the Western Lady.

 

Ayame's resentful eyes looked on as myriad shafts of light came from the miko's fingers, or more accurately, from a simple ring about her long, tapered finger. There was one undulating rope of light for each of the tachi and one particularly bright, red shaft, which rose like flames to caress the Taiyoukai's chest. Unlike the others, it pulsed with a vibrancy that was almost blinding to the Princess' eyes.

 

Totosai moved into the room with purpose in his halting steps, aided by his cane. Clearing his throat, he summoned his courage, as Myoga followed with marked trepidation. `She is manifesting. Can no one else see this?'

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama, she needs rest. This is normal for her kind. Satori used much of her dormant strength recently in protecting the Priestess and the Ookami. What you see before you is the residual effect,” said Totosai, who began to shuffle. All eyes were upon him, making him somewhat uncomfortable. Particularly one set of gilded large eyes, which were approaching rapidly.

 

“Oi! What the hell does that mean!? You know something about why Kagome fainted!? If you do spill it now you old codger, before I give you something to cringe about! I brought you here because you insisted you could only speak with Sesshoumaru. Well speak up! Does your presence have anything to do with this!?” shouted the distressed Hanyou, pointing at Kagome.

 

A low rumble of warning came from the Western Lord, and traveled to Inuyasha's ears alone. They twitched, as the Hanyou turned to look into his elder sibling's own frigid amber slits questioningly.

 

“Shizuka!” barked the Taiyoukai.

 

Inuyasha stepped back from the cowering fire youkai, as Sesshoumaru's jyaki made clear his own displeasure with Inuyasha for putting forth the question.

 

Myoga seized the opportunity and jumped onto the confused Hanyou's shoulder, whispering in a twitching ear, “My Lord Inuyasha, discretion is essential. There are too many about, not privy to knowledge about the Miko's ancestry. Follow your brother's lead.”

 

“SWWWAAP!”

 

The little youkai lay in the palm of the half-demon, who peered down at the Myoga with menace. “At least I have the satisfaction of swatting you,” said the Hanyou, before flashing him off his palm, and returning to his brother's side, not even giving Ayame a second look.

 

`Just look at them. They're all focused on that bitch. I hope she dies and that abomination she carries within her! Spoiling my entrance, probably intentionally, it would serve Kouga right.'

 

“Always have to be the center of attention, don't you?” spat Ayame under her breath, while glaring at the Western Lady's prone form with envy. Inuyasha's ears twitched, as he looked over at her reproachfully, baring his fangs, then returned his attention to his unconscious friend.

 

The Ookami rounded on the Princess, and limped towards her. Totosai stood bug eyed, shifting his position away from the Princess, carefully keeping a wide birth of the approaching Wolf Demon, who was enraged by the looks of things.

 

“Shut up Ayame! Stop acting like a selfish Kijo. Everything is not always about you. Get out of the way! I don't want you! You are the reason I was caught by that Hanyou bastard. Have you no pride!? Find another! Ginta likes you. Make his life a living hell with your constant moaning and bitching. I no longer care if I will be dishonored by this. Let them choose another Prince if it finally rids me of your insufferable presence. I will not mate with you, now or ever! You disgust me. The simpering kindness you shown me, is only a convenient ploy to meet your own ends. At a time like this you show your true colors, you are a hateful bitch and I pity the youkai who ends up in your palette,” hissed the Ookami, his cerulean gaze meeting her green with equal venom and frigidity, before pushing past her and limping out of the hall towards his quarters.

 

The Western Lord, whose own gaze traveled from that of his Mate's pale angelic features, to the Ookami's retreating form and then finally rested on the Wolf Princess. He growled, causing Ayame to shiver involuntarily stepping back beyond the open sliding doors. It being quite clear, should she speak another word, there would be no possible chance of her own survival.

 

Shifting the Miko within his arms he exited without a word, followed by his own personal unbidden entourage and several guards, who walked discretely, before and behind.

 

The entourage consisted of Rin attached, as per usual, to one of the Lord's silk clad legs, whimpering, while Shippou snuffled in Inuyasha's arms, bolstered on one red clad hip. The Hanyou was tired of stepping on him in their rapid progress to the Lord's chambers.

 

Inuyasha, looking somewhat dazed and frightened, strode to Taiyoukai's right, sporadically looking at the Miko then at Sesshoumaru with renewed suspicion and confusion.

 

Sango, who held Miroku's free hand in a death grip, depriving his normal hand of circulation, looked worriedly over at Kagome's small feet. The monk's head remained bowed, his brows furrowed deep in thought.

 

Rounding out the little ensemble were Kaede, Tatsuo, now found, and the little kappa, carrying a rectangular sodden item while bringing up the rear, mumbling to himself.

 

It was not lost on Kouga, as he watched their progress to the Lord's private chambers that the noble family remained in the lead of the little pack. Kagome was home. Protected and loved. He would never be a part of it. Not in the way he wanted. He sighed, adjusting his make shift cane, easing himself onto the bolder to sit, and watch from afar.

 

This left the incongruous grouping of Totosai, Myoga and one pissed beyond measure female lupine, along with various serving staff and a dinner interrupted.

 

Never one to miss an opportunity to gourmandize, Myoga rubbed his still round belly with multiple appendages, well pleased at the sheer variety of delectable fare in front of him.

 

Totosai blinked in disbelief, “Aren't we going to follow? It seems everything of interest is happening in the Lord's chambers.”

 

“They'll be back. Undoubtedly, the young Priestess has just had a turn on seeing you. Satori recognizes you for what you are. All will be well. Kagome is adaptable and will soon integrate this new aspect of her own being, once Sesshoumaru-sama apprises her of it. No point wasting what we have before us,” intoned the youkai, his mouth watering, his eyes glazed in the joyful prospect of gorging himself anew. The delicate scent of lemon grass wafting to his nostrils from the steamed fish and vegetables before him.

 

Looking around him cautiously and rubbing his chin, Totosai approached Myoga. He did not wish the lupine to overhear. “I wonder if he realizes she is an elemental of fire, or some of her is. Surely, he must know? That ring she wears belongs to the ancient house of fire, so old in fact, I was young then but I still recognize it.”

 

Myoga eyes slid off his friend tiredly, and onto Ayame who stood glowering at the figure of the Prince hiding behind a stunted tree, while watching the little group's progress.

 

“Totosai, this is hardly an appropriate discussion with our current audience,” said the tiny youkai in a whisper.

 

“You knew!?” said the fire youkai with a screech of surprise, almost toppling over his own bow legs as he turned and headed for the open fusuma, his eyes protruding from his head. “Why am I always the last to know these things? Follow when you are done. I must speak to Lord Sesshoumaru immediately. I know why she fainted.”

 

Myoga sighed, and with one last longing look at the delicately flaked fish on his plate, he followed as fast as his small being could carry him, while mumbling to himself. “He is impossible. I always knew a few millennia of ingesting that smoke was bound to addle his brain.”

 

“I can hear you Myoga!” screeched the pyro-kinetic youkai as he stumbled along ahead of the tubby little flea.

 

Bile rose in Ayame's throat as she stood watching the slumped back of her Prince, before she screeched at him for all to hear.

 

“Your impotent declarations do not relieve you of your responsibilities as Eastern Prince or to me! We have a pact. My grandfather expects it, as do I. You don't get a choice in the matter. We will be mated.”

 

The kappa just as suddenly reappeared in the doorway while she continued to shriek, sniffing indignantly, thoroughly disgusted by her presence. Retrieving the Miko's pack hurriedly, Jaken stopped and gave the Princess a furtive, malevolent glare. Suddenly Ayame let out a blood-curdling scream, as his staff, purely by accident, connected with an exposed, unsuspecting shin.

 

“Watch where you're going imp or I will ring your neck!” she said to the little, retreating, green figure, who turned, his usually ophthalmic eyes, bulbous with anger, before clacking off at a rapid rate towards the throng heading for the private quarters of his Master and Lady.

 

“Cretin,” murmured the little kappa indignantly. Her assigned quarters would reflect this.

 

sks

 

Wordlessly, Sesshoumaru inclined his head minutely, as his lips brushed against his Mate's clammy forehead, before laying her on their palette. He adjusted both katana, and bowed in the direction of the healers, before turning to the others who stood about silently.

 

Miroku took the lead, understanding the Lord's implicit request. Raising his arms, he ushered all out the room, leaving Inuyasha for the last, merely standing in front of him, blocking his view. Golden worried eyes looked at his friend with helplessness. Miroku smiled sadly at him. “Inuyasha, she is…”

 

Inuyasha shrugged, “Monk…I know…I'm coming. Gimme a sec,” said the Hanyou, looking at the Lord, whose face remained stoic by all appearances, but Inuyasha could scent worry though well masked.

 

Raising his voice, Miroku bowed reflexively to his friend, and returned his gaze to the Taiyoukai's, who had overheard the brief interchange between the two males.

 

“My Lord, with your permission, we will await your presence in the dining hall. We still have much to discuss this night,” intoned the Monk meaningfully. Amethyst looked into hooded citrine, before the Priest bowed deeply, yet perfunctorily, exiting the private chambers of the Western Lord.

 

Sesshoumaru's lip twitched. `The libidinous priest was more than he appeared. He would have made an exceptional youkai Lord. Inuyasha could learn much from his bearing and sensibilities.'

 

“Inuyasha, you may remain, as the healers attend the Miko,” intoned the Taiyoukai, stepping past the Hanyou and heading for the balcony, as Tatsuo and Kaede set to work to lower Kagome's temperature.

 

Miroku smiled and closed the shoji, bowing to both youkai guards that stood expressionlessly at opposite ends of the shoji. Sango leaned against the trellis opposite, her arms folded across her chest. Opening his arms in welcome, the worried slayer flew into them, thankful for the warmth and the comforting strong embrace. She had been feeling desperately alone since Jaken had taken the children kicking and screaming for `their own good.'

 

“Oh Miroku,” sniffed the taijiya.

 

Her scent was feminine and distinctively Sango. She was delicious, like a ripe plum, he thought, as the stooped figure of Totosai and the tiny barrel called Myoga came over the moonbridge in hot pursuit of the party.

 

Raising his nose from her silky, warm, neck, the Monk sighed, knowing what would come next.

 

“Return to the dining hall. The Taiyoukai and his Lady will not appreciate interruptions now.”

 

Totosai looked the tall male up and down with disgust, amazed at his utter effrontery.

 

“Look here you self-important stripling, we are on important business. How dare you inform us of what we need, or need not do? I have vital information that will aid in the Lady's rapid recovery,” he huffed, not surprised that Myoga had disappeared. `Spineless git.'

 

Miroku firmly gripped his Shakujo feigning a smile, as Sango took up a defensive stance by his side, never releasing his hand.

 

“My most humble apologies, Totosai-sama, would that information happen to concern the Miko's origins? Meaning, she is, unbeknownst to her, in some part an elemental youkai? Or, might I say, a youkai of fire, such as yourself?”

 

“WHAT!?”

 

Sango stared at the houshi with a shocked expression.

 

sks

 

Kaede heard Sango's voice and smiled down at the prone figure, gently placing the cool, wet compress, courtesy Jaken, to her forehead. `Finally, we are getting somewhere.'

 

Tatsuo whispered to Kaede, raising Kagome's limp hand showing her the ring. Kaede bowed in acknowledgment. “It belongs to her clan.”

 

“But she is ningen, yes?” intoned the youkai healer in resonant musical tone of excitement, his soft green eyes looking over the Miko with secret joy. “That would explain her reaction,” he said meditatively, then smiled. He was no longer alone.

 

Kaede smiled up at the tall, aquiline, bent figure. Tatsuo felt for the Miko's pulse, which was returning to normal, and color began to creep back into her face. Her mating mark was an iridescent cobalt blue to match that of the Taiyoukai's own.

 

sks

 

Unlike Sesshoumaru, protracted silences, in times of stress, were not Inuyasha's forte. He was a Hanyou of action, after all. Looking over his shoulder back into the chambers, he noted the sudden activity around his friend's body, as she was covered, and her pillows fluffed.

 

“The Miko is unharmed, Inuyasha. Satori is maturing, and had an adverse reaction to Totosai's sudden appearance. He belongs to an opposing faction of the fire demons,” said the Western Lord diffidently, as he looked out into the midnight blue sky filled with stars, but devoid of the comforting presence of the moon.

 

“No shit, Sherlock!” said the Hanyou, grateful that his brother had finally spoken.

 

Cocking his head, the Western Lord glared at the importunate whelp, realizing, his sibling's reactions were all bravado, fear and worry still palpable from his aura.

 

Glancing over at his brother cautiously, Inuyasha spat off the balcony, causing the Lord to cringe. “What did Myoga mean, when he said to take my cue from you?”

 

“I meant Lord Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru-sama would tell you when the time was right.” said Myoga in a soft white ear.

 

Two rather sharp claws removed the tiny youkai by his haori, and glowered at the miniscule being with menace. “Out with it flea!”

 

“Now my Lord, this is no time to be irritated,” said the Myoga, scrunching his eyes closed, anticipating any moment he would see the underside of Inuyasha's forceful palm.

 

“The Priestess is pyro-kenetic. Her father was a hanyou of fire youkai descent.”

 

“What the fuck!?! Kagome is youkai…I mean, sorta…,” he said on the top of his lungs, as a firm callused palm covered his mouth abruptly.

 

Looking below to see if anyone had overheard the indiscreet outburst, iridescent amber eyes looked down into Inuyasha's with a veiled threat. “Her powers have remained dormant until now. This will change as Satori matures. She has no control. This I will teach her, if we are afforded the time before the battle,” said the Taiyoukai sotto voce.

 

Kaede and Tatsuo exchanged glances having overheard, before returning to their patient, who was looking up at both of them curiously, with her own brow quirked in question.

 

Inuyasha bit his brother's palm and growled. The Taiyoukai smirked, merely turning his head to the side and looking at the Hanyou with amusement, before releasing his obstreperous sibling.

 

“Fuckin' Perve! Of course you would get off on that shit.”

 

Inuyasha backed away from Sesshoumaru, his brows furrowed in thought.

 

“How come I couldn't tell? It does explain her temper though.”

 

“Hn.”

 

“She doesn't know, does she? How in Kami do you know?”

 

“The Goshinboku Scroll our father left in safe keeping at the Higurashi Shrine,” responded the Lord atonally, looking to the unusually quiescent sea. He felt her aura caressing his in question. Now was the time to speak to his mate.

 

A wave of jealousy hit the young Hanyou, which he tried valiantly to suppress, as his eyes filled with tears. Again, Sesshoumaru had bested him. Here was another instance where the Inu-no-Taishou showed his preference for his pure blood son who he entrusted with vital information.

 

“I'm going to the dining hall,” said the half-demon gruffly, head bowed, as he brushed past the Taiyoukai, and leaped over the balcony to the ground, taking off at a run, his face wet. Myoga chose to hang on for dear life to one billowing sleeve, remaining silent.

 

Sesshoumaru watched with an unreadable expression until the red clad hanyou was out of sight, before acknowledging a soft feminine voice calling his name within the inner chambers.

 

sks

 

Ayame sat dejectedly, unintentionally mirroring the same position Kouga had previously held. Was it so horrifying a concept to be her mate, she thought as tears streamed down her face. He had called her an ogress, and he looked at her with hate. Even Inuyasha, who had been rather nice to her, had grown cold once she dared to insult his friend.

 

“Why can't I keep my mouth shut!?” she chided herself out loud, removing the dilapidated Iris from her hair, and throwing it to the ground. “So much for lunar rainbows. I will release him from the pact.” she vowed, squaring her shoulders, prepared to leave. `I'm better than this!'

 

Two clawed fingers held out a delicate Niponese Water Iris by its stem.

 

Ayame smiled apologetically and took it with a deferential bow, as Inuyasha stooped beside her, looking under his bangs at her with a shy, lopsided smile.

 

“I'm sorry, Lord Inuyasha. I am jealous of Kagome, and the love you all show her.”

 

Inuyasha shrugged. “She's gonna be okay. We're gonna meet in the hall. Coming?” he said, getting up and offering his hand.

 

Shaking her head, Ayame declined. “I don't think I would be welcomed. I made quite the fool of myself. Kouga is right.”

 

Noting the bruise on her shin, Inuyasha growled and pointed. “Did he do that!?” he said looking around for the offending Ookami, whose presence he scented.

 

Taking the Hanyou's hand, she chuckled. “No, actually Jaken did. I gather Kagome has made quite the impression on him as well.”

 

Inuyasha's brows quirked, as his face broke into a handsome smile. “They might be green, but at least he's got em, unlike that mangy cur,” he chuckled. “Kagome doesn't do grudges, otherwise she would never have put up with me and Kikyou all these years. Come and listen.”

 

Looking into his warm gaze, her own became soft and smiling despite her sadness and a strong sense of loss. “No, but the Western Lord does.”

 

“Feh! If he says anything, I'll flatten him. You'll find it interesting. We all have something at stake here. Naraku is on the move and we plan on taking him out finally.”

 

Kouga watched with interest, his expression confused, as he followed behind retrieving the previously discarded limp Iris.

 

“Oooohhh nooooo you don't dog shit! Find your own bitch. I'm not going to lose two women in a row to the Taishou mutts!” growled the Ookami Prince.

 

Inuyasha smirked, the feel of the little hand was good in his, with the added benefit that there was a gimp behind him that might finally see the value in the demoness, but far too late.

 

sks

 

“Fire youkai? Really, hmmm, but which parent do you think?” said Sango taping her lower lip.

 

Miroku smiled with the Demonslayer indulgently. She was adorable when she furrowed her little brows in concentration and tapped her lower lip, why hadn't he ever noticed that quirk of hers before?

 

“My father, apparently,” answered Kagome, as she walked slowly beside the Western Lord, taking her place on the zabuton once more. Kaede entered next with Rin and Shippou, followed by Jaken. They all appeared rather somber.

 

The kitsune walked with a dignified, purposeful stride to sit next to Kaede. He folded his legs imperiously with a supercilious expression on his cherubic, little face, noted Miroku with a wry smile. `It has begun. Imitation being the highest form of flattery.' the houshi noted. Also, Lady Kaede walked with less obvious pain, as she sat to his left and smiled with a gentle bow, sans cane.

 

“What is this Lady Kaede? Have you found some miracle cure?” asked the Monk, looking about at all concerned pleasantly, glancing secretively at the Miko, who winked at him in turn. Sesshoumaru growled softly, as a matter of course.

 

“No miracle, just much needed pain relief. We have healers in my time that make things called pills designed to relieve arthritic pain. That's the name of the condition Lady Kaede has. If she takes them in the morning and at night, it will help.”

 

“Shippou, can you take the backpack from Jaken-sama? I have something for everyone. After I have given everything out, we will talk.”

 

“Yes, Mama.” said the Kit, jumping to his feet and retrieving the heavy satchel. Grunting slightly, he brought it to her.

 

Smiling at the little kitsune, she ruffled his bangs, causing him to blush. “Let's start with you this time.”

 

Reaching into the pack, she brought out a small square of bright green with a multicolored surface that shone. All gasped, as Shippou screamed with glee. “Souta has the next upgrade and I thought you might like `Samurai Warrior Three'.”

 

“Oi! Gimme that! Souta said I could have it!” said the Hanyou, in a disgruntled tone, entering the room with Ayame by his side, she looking somewhat sheepish.

 

The amused pleasant tones died in the room instantly. Even the staff, already quiet, held their breath, and looked to the Taiyoukai and the Western Lady for the next move.

 

Kagome rested her palm on the lord's knee, his jyaki had risen, “Welcome Ayame, would you care to sit? It's been a very long emotional day for all in this shiro.” said the Miko with a deferential bow.

 

Inuyasha strode into the room with purpose, and snatched the GameBoy from the Kit, holding it above his head. “Shut up, runt. I'm gonna have to teach you to play anyway.”

 

“Dog Boy, give that back this instant!” said Shippou. “I'm giving you till the count of five or you will be sorry…” said the little Kit, red faced with anger, stared menacingly up at the smirking hanyou.

 

The half-demon snorted with disdain. Ayame sat, fascinated as the small demon continued to glare up at the tall red clad being with no sign of fear. Inuyasha was far too engrossed in his new acquisition to pay the smaller being any mind.

 

Kagome made to rise in defense of her Kit, as strong callused fingers squeezed hers, requesting she wait.

 

“Ichi, ni, san, she, …go! Kitsune-bi!”

 

Inuyasha recoiled instinctively, as red flames appeared to shoot from the kitsune's hands towards his face. That fraction of a second was all Shippou needed in order to kick his legs from under him, as the Hanyou landed with an ungainly thud on the tatami.

 

The Kit retrieved his new toy and went back to his assigned seating, looking blankly through his bangs at the Western Lord, whose own eyes met his with equal stoicism. Shippou inclined his head a fraction, and returned to his game with a mildly pleased expression. The Taiyoukai was right, size, did not always matter in battle. Understanding your opponent's weaknesses did.

 

“Inuyasha,” said the Priestess sweetly, "I would suggest you take your seat, before I make you.” She squeezed her Mate's hand in thanks, having observed the subtle communication between both males.

 

The Hanyou righted himself, and growled at the kitsune before flopping in his rightful position next to Kagome. His eyes were angry slits as he looked at the happy, squealing kitsune, showing Rin how the game was played, seemingly oblivious to Inuyasha's threatening stare.

 

“Where are Totosai and Myoga?” said the Miko, as she handed multi-colored elastics to Sango, for her hair, receiving a happy smile of thanks, while Kirara lay in her lap.

 

Sesshoumaru interjected, “Totosai is attending his oxen, and will not be joining us for the evening meal. Perhaps you will see him in the morning, Priestess, before he leaves,” responded the Lord noncommittally, as he poured warm sake, giving a marked look to the Monk, who averted his own gaze. Sango caught it.

 

“Where is he really?” whispered the taijiya in Miroku's ear.

 

“Later, my sweet…”

 

“Yeah, come to think of it, where is that little ass-wipe Myoga? Might have known he would disappear again,” muttered the Hanyou grumpily, downing his sake with one gulp, burning his tongue. Kagome snickered.

 

“Whattthhhh's thooo fuddy?” said the Hanyou as he drooled, and grabbed the proffered water from the serving maid. It poured not only in his mouth but down his chin. Sesshoumaru cringed with embarrassment at his brother's abysmal manners, as the entire table broke out in renewed laughter, and Inuyasha pouted.

 

“Great table manners there mutt!”

 

“Fu…”

 

“INUYASHA! The young are present! If you are unable to control your tongue, leave or deal with the consequences! ” said the Lord, having had quite enough of his sibling's disruptions for the evening.

 

Kouga began to laugh mockingly. Ayame leveled him with a frigid glare.

 

“Silence, Wolf! Sit down! We shall eat, and discuss our plans for the morning!” hissed the Taiyoukai, never once looking at the Ookami Prince. His migraine was returning with force. Gentle fingers pressed two, small pink objects to his lips. He took them, and swallowed.

 

Kagome averted her own gaze, stifling a laugh, at the shocked look on both Kouga's and Inuyasha's face, while reaching for her mate's sake cup.

 

“NOOOOOOOO!” came the unified cry. Kagome blinked, and Kirara mewed with disapproval at her from across the table.

 

“It's for him. Miroku, please pass the water for my Lord. He won't be having anymore sake for the night,” said the Miko, a bit ruffled by the collective rebuke.

 

Looking to Inuyasha, who had his tongue extended, eyes crossed, examining it for damage, Kagome sighed. Was this to be her life as Western Lady, a brother- in-law always on the verge of a meltdown, with the sensibilities of a twelve year old? A Mate just this side of a psychopathic killer, when riled, yet capable of unsurpassed tenderness, as long as no one else was privy to the fact? He did have the most sinfully delicious lobes amongst other things, she sighed looking back at her Mate's dignified profile wistfully. `Acceptable, it could be a lot worse, Kagome. Let's get on with it.'

 

“Right, can someone tell me what I said before I fainted? Let's start there.”

 

sks

 

Crashing waves beyond their balcony was comforting as the Miko snuggled into the familiar scent of fresh linen next to her. The Taiyoukai adjusted himself to curl around the female, while propping his other elbow on a pillow, intently reading his gift, `The Little Prince', by Antoine de Saint Exupéry.

 

Kagome looked up at his handsome face, drawing one finger lovingly over the maroon markings on his cheeks, then passed her fingers over his lips gently, tugging his lower lip slightly, revealing fangs at rest.

 

Staring into his mouth the Miko blinked in fascination, “Those puppies look dangerous, my Lord. I wonder if Satori will have those?” she said conversationally, one delicately arched brow quirked.

 

“Hn,” came the noncommittal reply.

 

Raising her yukata for ease of movement, she crawled onto his lap, straddling his silk clad thighs, knees bent on both sides of his hips.

 

“Miko, are you incapable of being still? This Sesshoumaru is reading,” intoned the Taiyoukai quietly, turning the page with one clawed digit, while placing his other free hand around her lower back to support her spine, while continuing to read.

 

Kagome folded her arms across her chest indignantly her deep brown pools held a spark of mischief. `Playing hard to get, I see.'

 

“Fine, answer this. Do you think we will find what we are looking for in the gardens in the morning? I'm excited at the prospect. Could it really be as simple as that?”

 

“Hn.”

 

With a loud exaggerated sigh, Kagome got up off the object of her affections, and headed to the low table before the crackling fireplace. She distractedly poked a log, before eyeing the fruit bowl. She was beginning to become perpetually ravenous, hence its presence.

 

Looking back at him with a wicked grin, she began to hum to herself innocently. One amber eye appeared above the novel then returned to the page, as she carefully peeled the banana while looking at her Lord, who she knew was perfectly aware of what she was doing. She could both scent and feel his arousal. He was keeping his heat in check for some unclear reason.

 

Deciding to ignore him, she crawled back onto the palette, and over his hips, then gently sat on his lap, pressing firmly into his groin, and began to admire, the unsheathed banana.

 

“Mmmm, it smells so good, so ripe and mouthwateringly delicious. I think I'll take a bit. Want some Sesshoumaru?” she said in a sultry tone, before running her tongue over the unbitten tip of the banana, then slowly pressing the tip to her open lips, looking at the Taiyoukai meaningfully.

 

sks

 

A sudden frustrated growl and the faint scent of the burning fruit in the fireplace caused the Miko to giggle. She found herself crushed happily below a Taiyoukai, feigning angry rumbles against her neck, while she squirmed below him in delight.

 

“Lady Koko needs her rest, as does our pup. We have much to do in the morning, and you will join me in the dojo to meditate at first light,” intoned the Lord, licking her mark, suggestively while situating himself around her to spoon.

 

Kagome sighed contentedly, relaxing into his warmth, running her fingers through his silken strands cascading over her shoulder. She stilled in sudden thought, turning to face citrine eyes with a curious expression. “Who exactly is this Koko, you speak of Sesshoumaru? Explain now please, my Lord. I've had quite enough of surprises for one day, thank you very much,” snapped the Priestess, glaring at her Mate. `This Koko had best not be some damn concubine!'

 

Ignoring her expression, the Taiyoukai snuffed the lantern light and the chamber became cloaked in darkness but for the fire pit's glow and the glimmer of stars beyond the balcony.

 

Pummeling her pillows in frustration, Kagome rested fitfully on delicately scented pillows, remaining rigid in his arms, as her Mate continued his stoic silence. Sesshoumaru snuggled into her neck, seemingly oblivious to her frigid demeanor.

 

Giving in to the inevitable, she relaxed listening to his even breathing. She absently pulled a few flaxen strands through her fingers meditatively, lifting them to her nose, sighing contentedly, as his heart thrummed against her back comfortingly.

 

“Rest well, Ruru,” she whispered somewhat petulantly.

 

“Lord Ruru also wishes his consort, Lady Koko a restful night. Sleep Miko, or you will be punished for your continued disobedience,” intoned a deep, resonant baritone.

 

Kagome smiled, nestling into the Taiyoukai's warm, hard body as restful sleep claimed her.

 

 

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Author's Note:

 

Sometimes stillness is required for things to find their fruition and above all else, lovers must also be friends capable of play, otherwise why bother? 

 

Ja Ne

 

 

EP